Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is the number one killer of Americans. It’s estimated that 70 million Americans suffer from heart disease, but unfortunately, many are not aware of their risk and the simple steps to prevent heart disease and improve cardiovascular health.

Recognizing and managing your risk factors is the secret to preventing heart disease. And heart and vascular screenings is a simple way to determine if you are at risk.

But simply put, detecting heart disease early can save your life.

On Friday, March 1, Archbold will offer free heart and vascular screenings from 9 am until 3 pm at the Archbold-Bainbridge Specialty Clinic, a practice that has provided Bainbridge and Decatur County cardiology care for the past 20 years.

Screenings offered free of charge include cholesterol and glucose screenings (blood sample), pulmonary function testing and blood pressure/height/weight/BMI. In addition, vascular screenings including carotid and aortic ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI) will be offered without cost to those 50 years of age and over by appointment. Results for all tests will be provided at no cost to participants as a clinical outreach effort supporting Archbold’s Core Value of Community Benefit.

“Early detection is the key to successful treatment of chronic diseases,” said Almeda Simpson, assistant vice president of clinical and community outreach at Archbold. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free screenings, even if you aren’t experiencing any warning signs of cardiovascular disease.”

The Archbold-Bainbridge Specialty Clinic is located at 700 Gordon Avenue. For more information on this screening event or to make an appointment for a vascular screening, call (229) 227-5140.